Perhaps the only league where the score is roughly the same as the age of the players competes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon in the auxiliary gym.

BYU-Idaho and Ricks College faculty members have been gathering for “Noon Hoops” to play tri-weekly pickup basketball games for 20 or 30 years, many players said.

Although the ages of players can get upwards of 55 to 60 years old, the playing is anything but slow paced, and it seems to involve a great deal of intensity.

“It’s a good fitness activity, nice break from regular work of the day and a good change of pace,” said Mark Olaveson, information systems department faculty.

Olaveson said the players call their own fouls, so most problems come from hard fouls or disagreements over them.

However, many players agreed that it was just part of the competitive nature of the game and the games are ruled more by friendly competition and good relationships between one another.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot more faculty and staff,” said Kyle Walker, counselor and part-time member of the religion faculty.

Olaveson agreed that many of his good friendships have been developed from his 15 plus years playing noon hoops, and they miss a few of the old-timers that have since retired and been benched from injuries.

Injuries aren’t uncommon in this faculty league. Olaveson alone has suffered numerous injuries.

“I’ve had a broken nose, a torn ACL, stitches numerous times, five or six black eyes and cuts and bruises,” he said.

“I’m surprised what good shooters they are,” said Brian Schultz, a senior from San Diego, Calif. Although students are not allowed to play with the teachers, Schultz has watched them play many times.

“I think their best five [players] could beat some of the best competitive teams,” he said.

Human beings act in a variety of irrational ways, but all of them seem capable of making reasonable